The Wyndham Writing Awards are currently accepting submissions for aspiring writers who have the opportunity to win a cash prize, gain recognition for their work, and be published in the Wyndham Writing Awards Anthology.
These awards aim to inspire and encourage emerging writers and literary creators in the Victorian region. Anyone who is 18 years or older and resides in Victoria can enter.
According to Cr Jasmine Hill, the portfolio holder for Wyndham City’s Learning City, Wyndham is a vibrant hub for talented writers, both established and undiscovered.
The awards provide a platform for novice and inexperienced writers to challenge themselves and grow. The prizes will be given in three categories: short story (1,500-3,000 words), poetry (up to 60 lines), and flash story (100-600 words).
The judging of the awards will be done by Vikki Petraitis, a renowned True Crime Author, and the total cash prize pool amounts to $3,600, as shared by Cr Hill. Each category has a cash prize for the overall winner, as well as a second cash prize for the Arts Assist Local Encouragement Award.
Additionally, selected entries will be published in the Wyndham Writing Awards Anthology 2023.
Cr Marcel Mahfoud, the portfolio holder for Wyndham City’s Creative City, encourages aspiring writers to get inspired and start writing, as this could be the beginning of a successful literary career.
For those seeking writing tips and tricks, Wyndham City offers a free monthly online writing group on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. This group welcomes adult writers of all experience levels and aims to inspire and develop their writing skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Wyndham City Libraries also organize free workshops to help aspiring writers unleash their creativity and imagination. These workshops include a poetry session at Julia Gilliard Library Tarneit on Saturday, May 20, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, led by Dr Chris Ringrose, and an online workshop on writing for competitions on Monday, May 22, from 6pm to 8pm, conducted by Amra Pajalic, an award-winning author, editor, and teacher.
Prior booking is required to attend these workshops. The Wyndham Writing Awards receive funding and support from Arts Assist. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, June 30. To learn more about the awards or to submit an entry, please visit the following website: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/writingawards.
